This programme brings to life popular operatic music heard in London during the Christmas season.  Works will be presented by Handel, Ariosti, Porpora, and Veracini from operas offered throughout the 1720s and 1730s.  You will hear the overture and famed aria ‘Ombra cara’ from Handel’s Radamisto, as well as lesser known, but equally stunning, arias such as ‘Nume che reggi’ from Arianna a Nasso by Nicola Porpora and Attilio Ariosti’s aria ‘T’ano tanto’ which was heard in his opera Artaserse as well as John Gay’s The Beggars Opera.  Frncesco Veracini’s enchanting flute sonnata in C major will also be heard.  Discussion will also be offered throughout about the composers, their works, and London at that time.